Nightlife & Music

Top Dive Bars

We’re never really sure how businesses feel about being called a “dive” but sometimes you just want a place you can hide and drink without worry about your clothes, hair or how much you drink.

Don's Club Tavern (credit: donsclubtavern.com)

Don’s Club Tavern

723 E. 6th Ave
Denver, CO 80218
(303) 861-0144donsclubtavern.com
This bar has no qualms about being a dive, proudly proclaiming it is the Best Dive Bar in the city. Its bartenders have been pouring drinks for the neighbors along 6th Avenue since 1947. The tavern also promises a good stiff drink and help in duct-taping outdoor furniture back together when needed.

Pete’s Satire Lounge

1920 E Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80206
(720) 506-4693petesrestaurantstoo.com
This hole in a wall offers Mexican food but most patrons say it’s all about the drinks. It offers two Happy Hours and regulars will tell you to expect a bit of salty treatment from the staff. It’s got classic bar booths and the afternoon crowd is full of barflies who probably have never set foot in LoDo.

The Campus Lounge

701 South University Boulevard
Denver, CO 80209
(303) 722-9696
This dive offers plenty of TVs for the sports fan but it seems to really attract the hockey fans. The atmosphere hasn’t changed much since the 1950s. Don’t let the name fool you though, it may be near the University of Denver but it’s not really an undergrad hangout, it’s more about the classic, neighborhood atmosphere.

(credit: Club 404)

Club 404

404 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 778-9605
This dive has the distinction of not only offering cheap drinks but cheap steaks. Patrons also give it rave reviews for the jukebox selection. It not only offers sustenance for the body but for the soul with live comedy. The dive has earned its stripes, the 80-year-old owner has been keeping the doors open for the last 60 years.